Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network seeking young people for its Hire-A-Youth program

Five hundred youth ages 18 to 24 will have access to employment opportunities, and 250 youth ages 16 and 17 will have opportunities to participate in a stipend-based internship this summer, thanks to the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network Hire-A-Youth program.
Qualified individuals will be selected from the young adults completing Hire-A-Youth’s career exploration and work-readiness training.
“We know how difficult it is for young adults to find work,” said Bryan Rogers, Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Board executive director. “Pacific Gateway is committed to getting young adults ready for work through its Work Readiness Credential and then providing assistance in obtaining employment.”
Rick Gonzalez, Youth Opportunity Center manager, said the first step for those age 16 to 24 interested in the program is to register for the no-cost 20-hour career exploration with Road Trip Nation and 25-hour work readiness training. “Individuals who successfully earn the prestigious Work Readiness Credential endorsed by the US and local chambers of commerce and will be ready for an employment or internship opportunity,” Gonzales said.
Young adults living in Lomita, Long Beach, Signal Hill or Torrance are eligible for this training and employment opportunity:
• 18- to 24-year-olds can get help finding employment following training
• 16- and 17-year-olds can get help finding a summer internship, which offers a stipend of $500 to those who successfully complete the training and the internship
• 14- and 15-year-olds can get help finding volunteer opportunities that can provide work experience
Those interested should call 1-866-631-9400 to register and complete training prior to summer employment opportunities.